Pledges to Johanna Benson Foundation not honoured

Some companies who promised financial donations towards the Johanna Benson Foundation (JBF) last year have not yet honoured such promises.

Johanna Benson is Namibia’s first-ever Paralympics gold medal recipient after her historical win at the London Paralympic Games in 2012.

She registered a non-profit foundation in 2013 in efforts to give back to the community by supporting disabled athletes in the country.

Her uncle and JBF administrator Jeffrey Naobeb told Wednesday some companies did not bring the money promised.

“I do not want to mention the names of the companies. I made several follow-ups but was ignored,” he said disappointingly.

Companies and individuals pledged a total of N$128 300 towards the foundation during a gala dinner held in Walvis Bay in December last year.

Naobeb said only N$71 500 was honoured thus far, and the money was used to set up the JBF office in Kuisebmond. They pay rent, Internet connection, bought a computer, printer, tables and chairs.

Giving an update on the gala dinner held last Friday, the foundation administrator said an amount of N$73 700 was pledged.

The highest contributing companies are Hangana Seafood (N$20 000) Gendev Group and Tunacor Fisheries (N$10 000 each) as well as Starting Right Investment with N$8 000.

Naobeb said only N$2 000 was received thus far.

“The patron of the JBF, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Bernard Esau, on Friday appointed four trustees to oversee the foundation and help it realise its objectives,” Naobeb said.

They are Herman Theron, Muronga Haingura, Katchina Shiluwa and Gerson Guruseb.

Naobeb also noted that Benson secured a permanent job at Hangana, where she will start on 1 October 2016.

Benson finished seventh in the T37, 100m; last in the 400m and sixth in long jump in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil earlier this month.

-Nampa